Cell Phone Use Illegal within School Zones

On August 6, 2009 Governor Quinn signed into law House Bill 71 and 72. These measures make it illegal to text or talk on a cell phone while driving in a school zone. The new law will take effect January 1, 2010and applies to all motorists (not just teenagers). The ban also includes personal digital assistants and portable or mobile computers, but does not include global positioning systems (GPS) or navigation systems. Motorists are still permitted the use of a hands-free device or if there is an emergency situation.